I have prolonged hoarseness and shortness of breath, and my doctor diagnosed vocal cord polyps. Why do polyps develop on the vocal cords, and how are they treated? (Giang Tran, 27, Can Tho)

"I have prolonged hoarseness, and doctors diagnosed vocal cord polyps and chronic tonsillitis. What conditions cause hoarseness, and how are they treated?" asks Thanh Ngo, 30, from Dong Nai.

Ms. Hoa, 33, experienced prolonged hoarseness and shortness of breath when speaking, which doctors diagnosed as a vocal cord polyp.

Mr. Linh, 68, experienced hoarseness for about 10 days, attributing it to a sore throat, but doctors diagnosed metastatic lung cancer.